This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project deals with multimode fiber-optic switching based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices and low loss efficient optics for military applications. The two approaches meet the rugged fail-safe optical interconnect requirements for implementing a multi-mode NxN fiber optical switch that allows aircraft redundancy management and computer data network applications. One approach is modular and uses compact 1x2 switches to build the larger 32 x 32 network. The alternate approach is a three dimensional MEMS approach that uses 2N mirrors to make a NxN multi-mode switch. The NxN switch delivers desirable capabilities in one optically reversible unit, making a high optical isolation, broadband operation, polarization and temperature insensitive robust system. Phase I research will concentrate on the design of the basic proposed switch structures and a proof of concept experimental demonstration will be performed to study, analyze and optimize basic switch performance. A 32 x 32 multi-mode fiber switch design will be analyzed. Groundwork will be laid to indicate technical concept selection and feasibility that will lead to a Phase II plan for prototyping and development of the 32x32 multimode fiber-optic switch.
Benefits: The proposed high speed, high isolation multi-mode fiber-optic switch can be used in optical switching applications such as : (a) Local area network (LAN) optical fiber line protection, (b) Gigabit Ethernet, (c) Computer Interconnects, (d) industrial controls, and (e) electrical power distribution via optical fiber.
Keywords: Multi-mode Fiber, MEMS, Freespace Optics , Fiber-optic switch, Optical Crossconnect
